Fare hikes, service cuts loom for NJ Transit

NJ Transit is expected to outline a plan that will increase fares by up to 30 percent and cut service on many lines Friday.

Executive Director James Weinstein released a statement Tuesday announcing an emergency spending freeze, reduction in the workforce and cuts to executive salaries. These measures are in the wake of an 11 percent cut in state subsidies announced by Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) last month.

The anticipated fare increases and service cuts are expected to be system wide. "Unfortunately, fare and service changes will have to be a part of NJ Transit's overall response to this financial crisis," Weinstein said. "I know this will be painful for our customers."

Weinstein indicated that every line will "suffer some sort of reduction." He adds, "What we've tried to do is keep service reasonably in tact."

NJ Transit is facing a projected $300 million budget gap for the fiscal years 2010 and 2011.